Page 55 of Burning Skies
“Perfect.”
“How’d you know where I live?” I mean, she knows I’m at the ranch, but how’d she know I’m not at the main house?
Her cheeks turn pink. “I overheard Baylee talking to Paige about your cabin, and I knew you guys used to have a family that rented this place out.” She winces. “Is it creepy I stalked you?”
“Not at all. I’m happy to see you.” Ducking into the kitchen, I flip on more lights and grab the bottle. “All I have is Jack Daniels. I’m sure you’re used to nicer booze.”
“I don’t care about that. Besides, I was named after my father’s favorite drink.” She motions to the bottle of Tennessee Honey in my hand.
“I always thought you were named after honey, as in bees.” Sweet like honey. But I don’t say that ’cause it’s cheesy as hell.
“Everyone thinks that, but no.”
After I motion to my old couch, we both sit. I set the Jack Daniels and two shot glasses on my banged-up coffee table. “Were your brothers also named after things your dad liked?”
She nods. “Cash because he loves money. And Trig…”
“Let me guess. Was that a horse? Because my grandfather used to like Roy Rogers and his horse named Trigger.”
“No. That would’ve been sweet. But my father loves his shotguns. And since my brother is a surly asshole, I think it’s a good name for him.”
I have to agree. As I pour the shots, I ask, “You gonna tell me what’s going on?”
I hand her the drink, which she slams back. With a hiss, she shakes her head. “I broke things off with Ian. He was planning a booty call after our dinner, and when I called him on it, he flipped out.”
I love the balls on this woman. “Is your father gonna be pissed?”
“Don’t care. Pour me another, please.”
Remembering her drunk brother earlier, I put the bottle down. “Alcohol doesn’t solve anything.”
“Tell me something I don’t know. If it did, Trig would be king of the universe.”
Nodding, I fold my arms. Since she obviously knows her brother has a substance problem, I don’t need to mention it. “Have you had anything to eat tonight? Or did you go straight to the insults?”
A little wrinkle forms between her brows. “I had a steak, but I was in a rush to be done, so I didn’t enjoy it.”
“Then what about some dessert?” Because I want to make her feel better. “I have some ice cream we could demolish.”
A small smile tilts her lips. “I’d like that.”
After I stand, I hold out my hand, and she takes it. I pull her to standing, but I tug a little too hard, and she runs into me. “Sorry ’bout that,” I whisper. She laughs and rests her forehead against my chest. Damn, it feels good to have her here. I run my hand over the back of her head. “You okay, princess?”
She lets out a sigh. “I am now. But it was a rough night.”
I’m instantly on alert. What did that asshole say to her? I close my eyes, willing myself to calm down.This isn’t about me. This is about Honey.
When I wrap my arms around her, she snuggles closer, and I let out my own sigh. “Let’s see if we can make you feel better.”
Her head tilts back and she looks up at me. “Thanks for letting me crash your evening.”
“You’re always welcome here. Come on.” Ignoring the urge to pry about what happened with Ian, I head to the kitchen where I pull out our supplies. She limps over to me, and I pause to take her in. Her hair is pulled into a high ponytail. She’s wearing a white blouse, another flouncy skirt, and flat sandals. “How’s your ankle?”
“Still hurts a little.”
“Let’s get you off your feet.” I grab her by her hips and lift her onto my island. “There.”
As I resume making our sundaes, I feel her watching me. “Would you like rum raisin, butter pecan, or mint chocolate?”
